Communities in the Niger Delta Region have reminded the Federal Government of the 14-day ultimatum it gave to secure the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, News About Nigeria reports.
Speaking under the aegis of the Association of Niger Delta Upland Communities, the oil-rich region, in a statement signed by its President, Isah Mohammed Obiri, and Secretary, Wisdom Oteyi, respectively, threatened to stop oil production in the Niger Delta until Kanu is released.
Recall that the IPOB leader has remained in solitary confinement at the Abuja headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021.
The Association, however, threatened to cripple oil production in the region if the Federal Government continued to remain adamant over the growing clamour for the release of Kanu.
They called on the Federal Government to quickly initiate moves for a political solution to Kanu’s matter.
“This is a prompt reminder to the Federal Government of Nigeria to acknowledge that our 14-day ultimatum is rapidly approaching. We remain steadfast in our commitment and determination to implement the plans we have outlined.
“Once again, we urge the Federal Government to initiate peaceful discussions with our leader for resolution.
“Please be informed that the Rumuekpe Manifold, which accommodates the storage of 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day, will continue to be non-operational until our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is released from the custody of the DSS facility.
“This decision entails the permanent closure of all the oil wells associated with the following pipelines: Kolo Creek, Adabawa, Oguta/Assa Trunkline, Owasa oil pipeline, Obelle oil pipeline, Rukpkou oil return to Rumuekpe Manifold, Total Om! 58 Oil Pipeline, Niger Delta Petroleum Resources Limited oi! pipeline return to Rumuekpe Manifold, as well as other oil facilities including the largest microwave, flow station, total metering station, (NDPR) metering station across the eastern zone with the map of the eastern zone oil companies operation hooked to Rumuekpe Manifold and operations of oil companies within the Bonny Terminal (Rumuekpe Manifold).
“The marginalisation and conspiracy aimed at suppressing the Igbo Biafran people must cease immediately. We are united by blood and as one family. Injustice towards our leader is injustice that affects us all,” the statement reads in part.
The Association also disclosed that the shutdown of the oil wells has been in effect since September 21, 2023, leading to significant financial losses for the Federal Government amounting to over N14.5 trillion over the past eight months.
